ITV 'planning merger with Channel 4, Five'

[Perdita]

ITV has suggested radical plans to merge with commercial rivals Channel 4 and Five in an effort to cut costs, according to a report in The Guardian.

The new entity would be better placed to effectively compete with the likes of the BBC and BSkyB, ITV executives have apparently told the government.

The merger would require approval from the government as the new broadcaster would command more than 60% of the TV advertising market.

"Every broadcaster, along with the government and Ofcom, is seeking radical solutions to the problem of how to provide sustainable, guaranteed public service competition to the BBC," said an ITV spokesman. "ITV is fully engaged in that debate, which must include exploring all options for the future, including a number of radical ideas."

[di marco]

i dunno if id like this, wouldnt then all 3 channels show the same sort of crap itv currently show?

[Perdita]

Possibly, yes.

[Bryan]

surely it wouldn't be three channels, it would just be the one? Meaning we only have 3 terrestrial channels?

I think it would be good tbh, channel 4's documentaries/lifestyle shows, channel 3's soaps, and channnel 5's films, would make it a brilliant little channel.

[StarsOfCCTV]

I never watch itv....its rubbish. Only ever watch X factor on that!

3 channels merging is too much, we will end up losing programs from each channels because there isn't enough time for everything.

[di marco]

i agree, if they changed it to one channel then i would only have 3 channels which i could watch and probably most of the things i did like wouldnt be on anymore, as you could guarentee (sp?) itv would keep most of its programmes and get rid of most of channel 4 and 5s programmes

[Abigail]

i dunno if id like this, wouldnt then all 3 channels show the same sort of crap itv currently show?

Channel four is no better. I only watch Gordon Ramsay's programs. I find C4 so political, especially Dispatches.

Not a good idea to merge. I know ITV have been having financial troubles but they shouldn't compromise their service.

[di marco]

i dunno if id like this, wouldnt then all 3 channels show the same sort of crap itv currently show?

Channel four is no better. I only watch Gordon Ramsay's programs. I find C4 so political, especially Dispatches.

i quite like channel 4, it has some good stuff on it

[Abbie]

I just dont get it

[DaVeyWaVey]

ITV need to keep some competition in the form of Channel 4 and Five, so they manage to step up to the mark with their programming consistently.